As with most young children, Elmo plays a big part in their childhood activities via games, television, or talking dolls. Elmo is a hero for James and James could not wait to see Elmo when he came to the Fairlane mall – and he was not disappointed. After waiting patiently for about a half hour he finally got to see the star, Elmo of Sesame Street.

The thing I will remember about this is James getting upset when we had to leave and I had to carry him out crying, as I walked past the security guard he said “There goes a true Elmo fan” lol. However all was not lost, just on the other side of Fairlane the Easter bunny was setting up shop and with a little coaxing, James was back to his happy self again and getting his pic taken with the Easter bunny (which I will add to the Easter gallery later).

Continue reading “Elmo Comes To Dearborn 2006” →

While we were walking around the Dream Cruise on Telegraph, James got to meet Ronald McDonald at our local McDonalds restaurant and had a good time with the famous clown.

James enjoys playing in his sandbox and its relatively maintenance free, however once you fill the thing with sand it “ain’t going nowhere”. We got the sandbox and sand from Toys R Us. I guess they use a specially treated sand in these things, probably similar to what you get at the beach. The lid is to keep animals out of it (I guess they think its a glorified kitty litter box).

Many of Jame’s missing toys have been found submerged in the depth of the sand so its trouble free so to say (maintenance free and trouble free are two different things. With the exception of his little dolphin pool and the swing set slide, this is his favorite and he can spend hours playing in it (well maybe quarter hours playing in it). Its in a shaded area so he does not have issues with the sun with it.

Continue reading “James Sandbox 2005” →

This was the first time many at the Knights of Columbus met James. James did a little dancing on the floor, then enjoyed some barbecue hot dogs and potato salad.

Lots of Grand Knights and Past Grand Knights were at this well attended event. There was a small fundraiser and remembrance for 911, all sorts of games, and great grilled cooking. I never saw a hockey game that was played on grass but I have now.

Hines Park is pretty famous as parks go in Michigan, probably the most famous of all not counting sports parks. I remember coming down here as a teenager and playing frisbee at Nolars Bend. In the winter time they set up a gigantic Christmas display that you drive through in your car.

Continue reading “Knights of Columbus Hines Park Party 2005” →

James loves playing on his swing set, it has a couple slides, places to crawl and places to climb. Now that the cement is in and the back yard is level with new grass, the place is alot funner (and safer) to play. I felt so sorry for the toddler running in the back, only to fall down because the ground was so unlevel. Now he can play to his little hearts content and believe me, he has.

We almost bought a wooden set but I think the plastic one will serve us better and last longer. I see alot of these at garage sales so it must mean they outlast the kids childhood. I never see the wooden or metal ones at a garage sale which means they are probably scrapped. Right now, if he had a favorite, it would have to be the slide and after that the swing.

Continue reading “James Backyard Playground 2005” →

Each Sunday James and his Dad take Aunt Peg shopping and then go to a park. This weekend we chose Champagne Park where James participated in a variety of activities under the tutelage of Aunt Peg.

Champagne park is a huge park that is located on Pelham between Ecorse and Middle Belt road (on the Allen Park side of the street) and in addition to the park facilities and shelters, has an ice rink and tennis courts. James Dad remembers playing CYO baseball at Champagne park in the seventies. He also remembers helping his Aunt Criss field ground balls at the park when she was practicing for her softball team.

James had a blast here, being bounced on the teeter totter thingy and going into the monkey bar sphere which should be fun for climbing once he gets a little older.

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Nuff said…

The kid is barely one year old and already his favorite place is this arcade that we pass by on our way to almost everything in Niagara. Its like they say, location, location, location. James is simply fascinated by the sounds, lights, and motion of everything going on around him. We are kind of fortunate that we can visit this time of year since most of the school kids are in school so James has the arcade pretty much to himself.

His favorite is a Sesame Street ride with Grover and Big Bird (or is it Bert and Ernie?). He just loves it and has to ride it each time we pass by. Usually when he is in his stroller he is sleeping but not when going through this arcade, or even near this arcade.

So its official now, James has visited his first arcade and he likes it!

Continue reading “Niagara Fun Factory Arcade 2004” →

James got to see the president this day, his first time being searched by security as well.

Not only was this james first time seeing a president but mine as well, we had to go down to the Republican headquarters in town and promise not to cause any trouble or do anything to embarrass the president. What a strange world we live in.

The funniest part of the whole event was when they introduced Bo Schembechler. The crowd roared then got all quiet and the only sound you could hear was Mary asking “Who the hell is Bo Schembechler”?

Continue reading “Bush Presidential Rally 2004” →

Playtime for James in his crib and out and about the house, the boy certainly keeps himself busy with all those toys and gizmos. His expressions are really priceless though and he seems to be enjoying what he’s doing.

His favorite activity at this time is the swing, he can stay on the swing for as long as you can push him, a definite swing fan.

Thanks again for all the toys that relatives have sent, we thought you might enjoy seeing James playing with some of the toys.

Actually, some of them are fun for adults to play with as well.

Continue reading “James Playtime 2004” →